An Improved Synthetic Protocol and Plausible Mechanism in Forming Acetylpyridines from 2,6-Dicarbethoxypyridine

2-Carbethoxy-6-acetylpyridine and 2,6-diacetylpyridine were transformed in good yields from the reaction of 2,6-dicarbethoxypyridine and EtOAc in the presence of sodium along with/without an equivalent of ethanol to sodium in toluene. The β-keto esters, the intermediates in the transformation of β-keto carboxylate into acetyl group, were isolated for understanding the plausible mechanism.